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Spring 2013 issue of Discover Rush, the quarterly community newsletter published by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
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it’s how medicine should be
®
| spring 2013
THE InsPIr aTIon IssUE
In our last issue, we
asked our readers, “What
says ‘inspiration’ to you?”
Out of numerous submissions,
our jury selected Community by
Day by Sandra Holubow as
the cover image for the
Inspiration Issue.
inside
2 Parkinson disease: 4 Inspired by you:
How attentive listening inspired When physicians at Rush
a potential breakthrough learn from their patients www.rush.edu
IS THERE A CONNECTION?
INSPIRING DISCOVERY: GI PROBLEMS
MAY BE LINKED TO PARKINSON DISEASE
How did Ali Keshavarzian, MD, a gastroenterologist at Rush University Medical Center, get involved in Parkinson disease
research? He became inspired to learn more when his sister was diagnosed with the condition in the late 1990s.
Keshavarzian already knew (or gut leakiness), can also was still at the seminar, saying that his sister might
of the research showing cause brain damage simi- be right, that Parkinson disease actually starts in
that Parkinson patients lar to Parkinson disease. If the gut with toxin leaks,” Shannon says. “This
often have gastrointestinal lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a email inspired a series of meetings to brainstorm
(GI) problems and emotion- toxin produced by bacteria how we might look into the idea.”
al stress along with the that is usually contained in Shannon recruited Jeffrey Kordower, PhD,
disease. It was his sister, the intestines, was intro- a neurology researcher at Rush, to help with
however, who insisted duced into other parts of the project. Building on previous findings in
these issues had actu- the body, damage to the the fields of neurology and gastroenterology,
ally caused her Parkinson Ali Keshavarzian, brain lasted longer. Kathleen Shannon, Keshavarzian created a hypothesis, and the
disease, rather than just MD, has spent his “It suddenly dawned on MD, is currently team began testing it through a clinical trial.
being part of it. Although career studying the me that maybe my sister involved in clinical In the end, the trial (results published in May
connections be- testing of creatine
Keshavarzian assured his was right,” Keshavarzian 2012) showed promising results that link LPS
tween stress, the GI (a supplement) as
sister this was not the case, tract and disease — says. He began to theorize: a treatment for that leaks out of the intestine with a chain of
he kept the idea in mind. specifically the ef- “We know that stress, like Parkinson disease nerve-cell changes that move to the brain and
fect of gut leakiness alcohol, can cause the gut and agents to slow become Parkinson disease. If further research
THE aHa! MoMEnT on diseases such as to leak. What if stress causes disease progres- confirms this connection, it may transform the
Keshavarzian went with his Crohn’s and ulcer- leaks that let LPS into the sion in Hunting- way investigators approach the disease (see
ative colitis. ton’s disease.
sister to the Rush Parkinson body? A person would “From the lab to the clinic”).
Disease and Movement Disorders Center for have to have a genetic susceptibility for the dis- It doesn’t surprise Shannon that such a discov-
her treatment. There, they met with Kathleen ease, but the LPS leakage might be the trigger for ery grew from a spark lit by Keshavarzian’s sister.
Shannon, MD, a movement disorders special- Parkinson.” He turned immediately to Shannon. “Almost all of our ideas are inspired by listening to
ist, who, along with treating patients, conducts “I got an email from Dr. Keshavarzian while he patients,” she says.
Parkinson research. Keshavarzian and Shannon
began a series of conversations about their respec-
tive research.
In late 2006, Keshavarzian attended a seem- From the lab to the clinic
ingly unrelated GI seminar. There, he heard Translational research aims to facilitate the conversion of scientific discoveries — like those above —
how laboratory research showed that alcohol, to practical applications. This process relies on volunteers who participate in clinical trials. “If more
which can cause gastrointestinal permeability people participate in trials, we could have new medications and new treatments available much
more quickly,” Shannon says. To see a list of clinical trials currently taking place at Rush, visit
www.rush.edu/studies.
2 Fast fact: Benjamin Franklin devised a catheter with a flexible tube. His inspiration? Older brother John,
who suffered from kidney stones and required daily catheterization.
www.rush.edu
Easy as 1, 2, 3 ...
INSPIRATION Making the most
AND THE out of every breath
LUNGS
More than half a billion. That’s the number
of times the average person will inspire
(draw air into the lungs) in a lifetime. And
Your hardworking lungs are of the lungs adequately,” says Brian Stein, MD, a though most of us rarely give breathing a
on the job every day. Their pulmonologist at Rush University Medical Center. second thought, this constant exchange of
two basic tasks: to inspire, And when you can’t fully empty your lungs, carbon dioxide for fresh oxygen fuels every
or bring in a supply of oxy- you’ll also have trouble getting enough air in, he cell in the body. Jennifer Ryan, PT, DPT, a car-
gen that allows the body to explains. “With asthma, inflamed airways narrow diovascular and pulmonary physical therapist
survive and function, and in response to triggers that range from pet dander at Rush University Medical Center, shares
to expire, or remove carbon to mold. COPD, which includes chronic bronchi- recommendations she gives patients: Jennifer Ryan, PT,
dioxide (waste). tis and emphysema, can also result in inflamed DPT, specializes in
physical therapy for
1
But breathing might not airways, as well as destruction of air sacs in the When you’re out of breath or
critically ill patients.
come easily if your lungs Brian Stein, MD, lungs, where oxygen enters the blood.” stressed, try belly breathing.
She also conducts
aren’t working properly — for is co-director of the At the Rush Comprehensive Allergy, Asthma “Whether you’re trying to catch a breath continuing educa-
example, when disease pre- Rush Comprehen- and Sinus Center, treatment focuses on disease during intense exercise or feeling stressed tion seminars and
sive Allergy, Asthma
vents air from flowing prop- management, including medication and lifestyle by traffic, belly breathing helps,” says serves as a mentor
and Sinus Center.
erly into or out of the lungs. changes. Clinic experts also provide asthma educa- Ryan. “It allows you to draw in a higher on clinical reason-
His research focuses
tion that includes avoiding triggers and treatment volume of air, and it’s calming.” Here’s ing and decision
on the quality of
making in acute
BrEaTHInG In Some lung care provided when for aggravating conditions, such as acid reflux, that how she suggests newbies begin: With
care situations.
conditions, such as pulmo- people with asthma often accompany the condition. For COPD, smok- one hand on your belly so you’ll feel what
nary fibrosis, limit how much and COPD come to ing cessation, medications and specially designed happens, do a quick sniff, sniff — like a dog. “Sniffing wakes
emergency rooms.
air the lungs take in. With exercise programs can help people stay active. up your diaphragm, the muscle that separates your lungs from
this disease, scarring and the organs in your abdomen,” Ryan says. Continue breathing so
stiffening of the lungs make it difficult to take a ProTECTIon If your lungs are healthy, do what your belly moves up and down, but more slowly. It also elicits
deep breath. While there can be many reasons for you can to keep them that way. Lung function the body’s relaxation response, helping relieve muscle tension.
scarring, including breathing in workplace dust, naturally declines with age, Stein says. “Avoid any-
often the cause isn’t known.
Treatment can include oxygen therapy and exer-
thing that may accelerate that.” Smoking tops the
list. Exposure to dust, fibers (such as asbestos) or 2 Listen to mom: straighten up. If the muscles in your
rib cage and thorax aren’t properly aligned, they can’t
cise programs (available at Rush Oak Park Hospital) hazardous chemicals can also damage the lungs. If pull in the volume of air needed to keep cells oxygenated. “When
to help people stay active despite the disease. you work around these substances, use the recom- you’re slumped at your computer, your lungs don’t have room to
And because pulmonary fibrosis has been known mended protective equipment and procedures. expand,” says Ryan. So, if you sit for long periods, try this simple tip
to worsen quickly, clinical trials at Rush are focus- Finally, when it comes to maintaining healthy for correcting your posture: Roll a hand towel to a diameter of two
ing on new medications designed to slow lung breathing, diet and exercise play more of a role inches and position it on your chair so it’s right in front of the bones
function decline. than you might think. Excess pounds can squeeze that hurt when you’re sitting on a bicycle seat. The towel helps
the chest wall and restrict the lungs, impeding easy keep your pelvis and spine aligned so that your rib cage can expand.
BrEaTHInG oUT Asthma and chronic obstruc- breathing. And aerobic exercise conditions your heart
3
tive pulmonary disease (COPD), are both known and lungs and helps your body use oxygen efficiently, Find your best breathing pattern for exercising —
as obstructive lung diseases that can cause short- increasing your endurance for everyday tasks. “It and stay hydrated. As you do your 20 minutes (or
ness of breath. “But the primary problem with turns your body from a gas-guzzling pickup into a more!) of daily exercise, find the breathing pattern that feels
obstructive disease is that you can’t get air out Prius,” Stein says. right for you. “It’s a myth that you have to breathe through your
nose and not your mouth,” Ryan says. “Listen to your body and
let’s talk allergies and sinus problems — from your own computer. Join experts breathe in the way that’s most comfortable.” If you do breathe
MorE
at rush for an online chat session thursday, April 25, from noon to 1 p.m. at through your mouth, you’ll lose more moisture, so staying hy-
www.facebook.com/rushuniversitymedicalcenter. drated is especially important. Hydration keeps the mucus lining
of the airways working to clear out germs, pollen and dust.
Fast fact: The average person inspires — that is, breathes in — 12 to 20 times a minute. 3
Between working nine- to 10-hour days and caring for her mother in a Annabelle Volgman, MD, is
the medical director of the
nursing home, Pat Negrette had little energy or inspiration to focus on her Rush Heart Center for Women,
own well-being. And it showed. She was overweight, and her cholesterol, where she addresses the needs
of women with heart disease
triglycerides, blood pressure and blood glucose levels were all rising. Her and works to prevent it. She is a
prominent leader of the Ameri-
cardiologist, Annabelle Volgman, MD, warned Pat that she was headed
can Heart Association’s Go Red
down a dangerous path. for Women movement.
“Dr. Volgman kept telling me to diet and exer- read nutrition labels; and, in general, live a huge life changes inspires me
cise, but it went in one ear and out the other,” healthy life. to keep motivating them,”
says Pat. “I just thought it would be too difficult Rather than grabbing take-out for a quick din- she says. “When people
to change my habits.” ner fix, Pat now prepares nutritious meals with are determined, like Pat,
Then two years ago, Volgman diagnosed Pat fresh, seasonal vegetables and lean proteins. She they succeed.”
with metabolic syndrome, a condition in which avoids processed foods and reads every label
a combination of risk factors occur concurrently to check for sodium, fat, fiber and protein. She
and increase a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes exercises regularly and logs 10,000 steps a day Want to find out
and heart disease. Learning diabetes was immi- on her pedometer. more about your
nent was a wake-up call that inspired Pat to The results from her efforts have further personal heart
focus on herself. inspired her to stay committed to healthy living. health? Join our Take
“I was taking care of everyone except myself; it She has shed 15 pounds and reversed her meta- Care of Your Heart
was time to take care of me,” she says. bolic syndrome. Her cholesterol, triglycerides, event on Feb. 23. Find out
blood pressure and blood glucose levels are all more on page 7.
MaKInG a CHanGE Volgman directed Pat down, and her risk for developing diabetes has
to the “Eat Well, Love Better, Move More (ELM)” been significantly lowered.
study, a program through the Rush University “This was something I did for myself, and I’m
Prevention Center that’s designed to reverse happy I did,” says Pat. “Once I got started, it
metabolic syndrome through lifestyle modifica- wasn’t even that hard. I feel good and I have
tion. Each week, Pat and other study participants more energy.”
learned how to cook healthier foods; exercise; Volgman is also thrilled. “Seeing patients make
Want to get to know these doctors better?
CLICK
Visit www.rush.edu/discover to watch videos
of them discussing their philosophies of care.
4 Fast fact: Diagnostic equipment that analyzes blood in 30 seconds, significantly smaller heart pacemakers and implanted defibrillators,
and infrared ear thermometers that read body temperature in two seconds: All were inspired by nasa technologies.
www.rush.edu
HOW DO YoUr PaTIEnTs INSPIRE YOU?
Every day, physicians at Rush University Medical Center strive to provide the care patients need to get back to
their lives. But they learn plenty from their patients as well. Seeing their strength and courage often inspires
physicians to be more empathetic and work harder to deliver advanced, high-quality care. Here, three physicians
at Rush share how their patients have touched them.
“I see many families who truly give me pause. They spend weeks, some-
times months, at the bedside of a critically ill infant. And despite their Debra Selip, MD, is the pediatric medicine director of
pain and grief, they say thank you. If it were me in that situation, I’m not the Rush Fetal and Neonatal Medicine Center and has ex-
sure I’d even be able to look up from underneath a blanket, but these tensive expertise in fetal and neonatal congenital anoma-
families find a way to do it and to show their appreciation. It has humbled lies and in the care of high-risk and acutely ill newborns.
me and has helped me stay positive even in the face of something hor-
rific. And I now stop to say thank you no matter what.”
“When a 28-year-old woman with lupus came to my clinic, I could tell room, I saw determination on her face. She said she
she was very ill. But I certainly did not expect the year-long ordeal that wanted to beat this disease.
followed. She went into a coma after I admitted her to the hospital. “She worked tirelessly through intensive physical
After a bone marrow biopsy, she was diagnosed with a rare, poten- therapies and underwent year-long chemotherapy.
tially lethal disease called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), Getting her back on her feet involved an incredible
which also involved her central nervous system. HLH treatment typically collaboration among multiple specialists and services
includes chemotherapy, massive doses of steroids and immunosuppres- at Rush, including hematology, infectious disease,
sive agents. rheumatology, neurology, intensive care, pulmonol-
“She was comatose for about three weeks and a meaningful recov- ogy, physical therapy and rehabilitation.
ery looked doubtful. But a few days after we started chemotherapy, “Today she has her life back. She is working as an architect; she is in
her mental status began to improve. Still, at the same time, the steroids excellent physical shape; and she is enjoying leading a normal life. Every
caused severe muscle weakness. time I talk about her, I am inspired. This is why I do what I do.”
“I will never forget the day she regained consciousness and became
aware of what had happened to her. Imagine waking up basically crip- Jamile Shammo, MD, is a hematologist who specializes in bone marrow disor-
pled, dependent on a breathing machine and feeding tube, and learning ders. Her research interests include myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative
you have a potentially lethal condition. But one day as I walked into her disorders and aplastic anemia.
“We’ve come a long way in developing effective treatments and improv- and, therefore, far less toxic.
ing survival rates for kids with bone cancer. But there are significant — “In cancer biology labs at Rush, we’re trying to iden-
sometimes devastating — side effects to these treatments. tify which patients will respond to which chemotherapy
“About seven years ago, a boy was referred to me with osteosarcoma in drugs. If we know up front that certain patients won’t
his hip. We treated him with chemotherapy — the standard treatment at respond to certain drugs, we can try alternatives. We
the time — and I performed a limb-sparing operation, implanting a metal- won’t expose them to toxicity that isn’t going to be
lic hip. However, the chemo that saved his life did extensive damage to his effective. It’s an approach that will help patients both
heart, and he suffered heart failure. Fortunately, he was able to have a survive cancer and be healthier down the road.”
heart transplant, and today he’s doing very well.
“Seeing this boy beat his cancer and then have to endure a heart Steven Gitelis, MD, is an orthopedic oncologist and director of the Rush Limb
transplant was devastating. It inspired me to start looking for new Preservation Program. He focuses on limb salvage using bone substitutes, grafts
ways to treat patients that are equally effective but more targeted and prosthetics.
more online Visit www.rush.edu/discover for another doctor’s story of inspiration.
At www.rush.edu
Fast fact: The new hospital at Rush University Medical Center has been listed in Infrastructure 100: World Cities Edition,
a report that showcases 100 of the most innovative and inspiring urban infrastructure projects around the world. 5
RUSH IN THE NEWS
CLInICaL TrIaLs aT rUsH
ASPIRE STUDY
The Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care
Treatment for fragile X syndrome, autism Medicine is conducting a study of patients’ pulmo-
nary arterial hypertension symptoms and how they
There are plenty of questions and uncertainty The study found that the drug compound are being treated. This study does not require any
when it comes to treatment options for fragile X STX 209 by Seaside Therapeutics improved symp- additional treatments, test procedures or drugs and
syndrome and autism. But a recent study provides toms in study participants with fragile X and sig- does not replace the patients’ regular medical care.
new possibilities. nificant social deficits or autism. Additional studies Participants must meet the following criteria:
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center suggest that STX 209 may be helpful for autism • Have a diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension
and the University of California, Davis MIND without fragile X syndrome, as well. This treat- • Currently taking the drug treprostinil or other
Institute found that an investigational compound ment is the first such discovery for fragile X syn- FDA-approved treatment(s) for pulmonary arte-
that targets the underlying brain mechanisms in drome and, potentially, the first for autism. rial hypertension
fragile X effectively helps with social avoidance — “This study will help to signal the beginning of a This is a partial list of inclusion and exclusion
one of the core deficits in both fragile X and new era of targeted treatments for genetic disor- criteria. For more information, call
CaLL
autism spectrum disorders. Fragile X syndrome is ders that have historically been regarded as beyond Joyce Brown at (312) 942-6771.
the most common known cause of inherited intel- the reach of treatment with medications,” says
lectual impairment. It is also the leading known Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, MD, PhD, the lead author of LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS STUDY
single-gene cause of autism. the study and a pediatric neurologist at Rush. The Department of Orthopedic Surgery is conduct-
ing a study to determine how spinal osteoarthritis
Emotional neglect increases risk of stroke is related to the segmental rotational motion of the
lumbar spine and the degeneration of the inter-
The experiences of your childhood often shape they were made to feel afraid or intimidated, and vertebral discs over time. The study, called Lumbar
who you are emotionally and mentally. Now whether they were punished physically. Spondylosis: Aging vs. Symptomatic Degeneration
research shows that how you were treated as a The study, published in an online issue of Biomechanics, will use computed tomography (CT)
child can affect your physical health as well. Neurology, found the risk of stroke was nearly and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess
A study by researchers at the Rush Alzheimer’s three times higher in people who reported a mod- the health of participants’ vertebral discs.
Disease Center suggests that people who were erately high level of childhood emotional neglect Participants must meet the following criteria:
emotionally neglected as children may have a high- than those who reported a moderately low level. • Be between 60 and 80 years old
er risk of stroke later in adulthood. In the study, “The results add to a growing body of evidence • Not have a history of chronic low-back pain
participants in the Memory and Aging Project suggesting that early-life factors, such as traumatic (i.e., steady pain that has lasted more than
(who did not have dementia and were 55 years of childhood experiences, influence the development three months)
age or older) took a survey measuring physical and of physical illness and common chronic conditions • Not have metal implants or pacemakers
emotional abuse before age 18. Questions focused of old age,” says David Bennett, MD, director This is a partial list of inclusion and exclusion crite-
on whether participants felt loved by their parents of the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center and co- ria. For more information, call Jennifer
CaLL
or caregivers when they were younger, whether author of the study. Baumgartner at (312) 942-7272.
DISCOVER RUSH is published as a service Chief Executive Officer information in DISCOVER RUSH comes
for the rush community. larry J. goodman, md from a wide range of medical experts.
models may be used in photos and
rush uniVersitY medicAl center For information about DISCOVER RUSH, illustrations. if you have any questions rush is a not-for-profit
1700 w. Van buren st., suite 456 contact erin thorne at erin_thorne@rush.edu about your health, please contact your health care education
chicago, il 60612-3244 or (312) 942-3215. For general information health care provider. and research enterprise
www.rush.edu about rush or for help finding a physician, ©rush university medical center comprising rush university
call (888) 352-RUSH (7874). cum28634 medical center, rush
university, rush oak park
pleAse note: All physicians featured in this publication are on the medical faculty of rush university medical center. some of the physicians hospital and rush health.
6 featured are in private practice and, as independent practitioners, are not agents or employees of rush university medical center.
| s At u r d AY
www.rush.edu
rUsH UPCOMING EVENTS
|
F r i d AY
Free clAsses For Your heAlth spring 2013
For a complete and up-to-date list of community wellness events
CLICK
at Rush and online health chats, visit www.rush.edu/calendar,
where you can also find presentations from previous talks.
Take Care of Your Heart discuss joint replacement options for
|
saturday, Feb. 23 hips, knees and shoulders.
t h u r s d AY
8:30 a.m. to noon
searle conference center Join Us From Your
1725 w. harrison st., Fifth Floor Computer — Ask the
Learn about risk factors for Expert: How to Better
heart disease, such as diabetes, Manage Severe Allergies
hypertension and cholesterol; thursday, April 25
conditions, including arrhythmias, noon to 1 p.m.
heart failure and vascular disease; www.facebook.com/
|
and the latest treatment options rushuniversitymedicalcenter
available. Millions of adults and children
w e d n e s d AY
in the U.S. struggle with allergy
Lung Cancer: Diagnosis, symptoms, such as sneezing and
Treatment and Research congestion. In this online chat
thursday, march 21 conducted via Facebook, send in rush Generations presents:
6 to 8 p.m. your questions from the conve-
Armour Academic center nience of your home or work to
older adult and caregiver programs
600 s. paulina st., room 976 experts at Rush. They will answer Unless otherwise stated, the Rush Generations programs below are held
At The Coleman Foundation your questions about severe at Rush University Medical Center, Searle Conference Center, Fifth Floor
Comprehensive Lung Cancer Clinic allergies, including diagnosis, (Elevator II, Professional Building), 1725 W. Harrison St.
|
at Rush, physicians use the most treatment and management. If Your Pelvic Health Take Charge of
advanced methods of imaging, you’d like to submit questions in wednesday, Feb. 20 Your Diabetes
t u e s d AY
biopsy and analysis to determine advance, post them via Twitter 1 to 3 p.m. monday, march 25
each patient’s stage and treatment. using #rushhealthchat or send an Changes in pelvic health frequently 1 to 3 p.m.
Join experts at Rush to learn the lat- email to health_chat@rush.edu. occur as we age, but experienc- Older adults have the highest risk
est advances in the diagnosis, treat- ing frequent urinary urges, pain of developing diabetes. Come hear
ment and research of lung cancer at Women’s Health: and incontinence should not be experts from Rush discuss the risk
this free event. Menopause, Osteoporosis ignored. Participate in a discussion factors for diabetes, and learn what
and Incontinence with experts from Rush about pel- you can do to better manage and
|
Joint Replacement Options thursday, may 23 vic health for women, including prevent complications associated
for Hips, Knees and Shoulders 6 to 8 p.m. common physical changes that with it. Interested participants can
m o n d AY
wednesday, April 10 Armour Academic center occur with aging, and learn sign up for a free, six-week self-
6 to 8 p.m. 600 s. paulina st., room 976 about the latest treatment management workshop for people
Armour Academic center A woman’s risk of osteoporosis and options available. with prediabetes and diabetes.
600 s. paulina st., room 976 urinary incontinence increases as she
Rush’s orthopedic program is ranked enters perimenopause and meno-
among the best in the country by pause. At this free event, experts
|
U.S.News & World Report. At this from Rush will discuss prevention,
free event, orthopedic surgeons will symptoms and treatment options. Because space is limited, please call to reserve
s u n d AY
You can get helpful health information in your
your seat. For more details and to register,
CLICK
email inbox each month with our e-newsletter, call (888) 352-rUsH (7874). Free parking in the
Discover Rush Online. sign up today at www.rush.edu/discover. Rush garage is available with validation.7
1700 w. Van buren st., suite 456 nonprofit org.
e-newsletter: DISCOVER RUSH ONLINE chicago, il 60612-3244
u.s. postage
PAID
rush university
Was YoUr MoTHEr rIGHT? medical center
Does sugar really make you hyper? Does reading in dim light actually ruin your
eyes? Learn whether mom gave you sound advice or whether medical science
says otherwise in the February issue of Discover Rush Online. Sign up for the
newsletter at www.rush.edu/discover.
www.rush.edu
BODY, HEAL THYSELF
clinical trials, but the hope is
that it will be added to the
list of treatment options for
The body has an amazing secret weapon: the tumor. In particular, Aiken is studying a vaccine patients with brain tumors,
immune system. Because of its power to protect for glioblastoma multiforme that, while it won’t alongside current standards
and restore the body, it has inspired a whole field prevent cancer, is intended to kick-start the body’s of care.
of treatment — immunotherapy — that harnesses immune system to help it slow the growth of the
the body’s own immune system to fend off, and cancer cells that form a glioblastoma. EnCoUraGInG nEW
recover from, disease. Robert Aiken, MD, aLTErnaTIVEs Surgery,
oUTsIDE MoTIVaTIon How does the vaccine is director of The chemotherapy, radiation
THE sYsTEM aT WorK The immune system inspire the body to heal itself? Cells that help antibod- Coleman Founda- therapy and biologic thera-
tion Comprehensive
goes to work when the body detects an invader, ies recognize antigens, which are known as dendritic pies are among the treat-
Brain Tumor Clinic
such as unfriendly bacteria or foreign matter, cells, and cancer tumor cells are extracted from a at Rush and focuses ments currently available at
known as an antigen. The presence of the antigen patient. The two are combined so that dendritic cells his research on The Coleman Foundation
triggers cell and chemical activity that produces are able to identify the cancer cells. Then the cancer creating novel treat- Comprehensive Brain Tumor
antibodies, varieties of white blood cells that cells are removed from the mix and the dendritic cells, ments for malignant Clinic at Rush. The clinic also
destroy the invaders. This process usually takes now trained to set the immune system in motion brain tumors. offers patients the opportunity
place seamlessly. However, when the intruders are against the tumor, are injected into the patient. to enroll in clinical trials —
complex cancer cells, the immune system often Simply put, the vaccine, known as the DCVax vaccine, such as the ones Aiken continues to run — to test
needs a little extra push. is designed to help the body mount a response that the DCVax vaccine. He’s also embarking on another
The field of immunotherapy, or the use of stem kills cancer cells, slowing the growth of the tumor. study to look at an antibody that might aid patients
cell therapies and vaccines, gives the body that The vaccine must be given repeatedly in order with recurrent brain tumors. Will it inspire a next
push. Robert Aiken, MD, a neuro-oncologist, is to continue to boost the patient’s natural immune step in the attack on these life-altering intruders?
researching ways to inspire the immune system to responsiveness, which may work to keep the cancer Follow the progress of research at Rush to find out.
go after glioblastoma, a kind of malignant brain in check and prolong life. The vaccine is still in Visit www.rush.edu/follow-research.
the coleman Foundation comprehensive brain tumor clinic at rush brings together a multidisciplinary team to create individualized
CaLL
treatment plans for patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (888) 352-RUSH (7874).
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Wondering about a specific disease or health condition? Email your questions to discover_rush@rush.edu. If
more online your question is selected, we’ll ask experts from Rush, gather their opinions and cover the topic in an upcoming issue of Discover Rush. Names
At www.rush.edu will remain anonymous unless otherwise notified.
